Posts Tagged ‘Genetics’
Stem Cell Research Could Benefit Fragile X Patients
Stem Cell Research Paves way for Progress on Dealing with Fragile X Retardation Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have achieved, for the first time, the generation of neuronal cells from stem cells of Fragile X patients. The discovery paves the way for [Read More]
Researcher Discovers Role of Gene Variant Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease in Damage to Brain Circulation, Function
A gene variant responsible for vascular damage to the brain is a promising new target for drug therapy to fight Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, according to research published on May 16 in Nature. Berislav Zlokovic, deputy director of the Zilkha [Read More]
Zebrafish Study Isolates Gene Related to Autism, Schizophrenia and Obesity
What can a fish tell us about human brain development? Researchers at Duke University Medical Center transplanted a set of human genes into a zebrafish and then used it to identify genes responsible for head size at birth. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center [Read More]
Discovery of a Gene that Causes Joubert Syndrome in Some Families
History, science and discovery come together to help family members. C5ORF42 was identified as the gene that causes Joubert Syndrome in a number of families in the Lower St. Lawrence region of Quebec where the causal gene had remained unknown since the initial description [Read More]
Glial Cells Supply Nerve Fibers with Energy-Rich Metabolic Products
Glial cells pass on metabolites to neurons. Around 100 billion neurons in the human brain enable us to think, feel and act. They transmit electrical impulses to remote parts of the brain and body via long nerve fibres known as axons. This communication requires enormous [Read More]
Evolution’s Gift May Also Be at the Root of a Form of Autism
A recently evolved pattern of gene activity in the language and decision-making centers of the human brain is missing in a disorder associated with autism and learning disabilities, a new study by Yale University researchers shows. “This is the cost of being human,” [Read More]
Transplanted Gene-Modified Blood Stem Cells Protect Brain Cancer Patients from Toxic Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Study is first to show feasibility and efficacy of a new use for autologous stem cell transplant. For the first time, scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have transplanted brain cancer patients’ own gene-modified blood stem cells in order to protect their [Read More]
Researchers Discover a New Family of Key Mitochondrial Proteins for the Function and Variability of the Brain
This family comprises a cluster of six genes that may be altered in neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. A team headed by Eduardo Soriano at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) has published a study in Nature [Read More]
Researchers Develop New Muscular Dystrophy Treatment Approach Using Human Stem Cells
Researchers from the University of Minnesota’s Lillehei Heart Institute have effectively treated muscular dystrophy in mice using human stem cells derived from a new process that – for the first time – makes the production of human muscle cells from stem cells [Read More]
Glycogen Accumulation in Neurons Causes Brain Damage and Shortens Lives of Flies and Mice
Work by IRB Barcelona researchers will further the study of neurodegenerative diseases such as Lafora progressive myoclonic epilepsy. Collaborative research by groups headed by scientists Joan J. Guinovart and Marco Milán at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB [Read More]
